How to cure lice in one day? - briefly
«Apply a 1 % permethrin lotion to dry hair, leave for 10 minutes, rinse, then comb thoroughly with a fine‑toothed lice comb, removing all nits.» Repeat the treatment after 24 hours to eliminate any newly hatched lice.
How to cure lice in one day? - in detail
Effective elimination of head lice within a single day requires a coordinated approach that combines chemical treatment, mechanical removal, and environmental decontamination.
Initial assessment involves confirming the presence of live nymphs or adult insects. Visual inspection of the scalp and hair, using a fine‑toothed lice comb, reveals clusters of eggs (nits) attached close to the hair shaft.
The treatment protocol proceeds as follows:
- Apply an FDA‑approved pediculicide containing 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % ivermectin to dry hair, following the manufacturer’s instructions for dosage and exposure time.
- Rinse thoroughly after the specified period, then towel‑dry the hair without using a hair dryer.
- Immediately comb the entire length of the hair with a nit‑comb, removing all visible nits and dead insects. Perform this step at least three times, spaced 5–10 minutes apart, to capture any newly hatched lice.
- Wash all personal items (hats, scarves, pillowcases, towels) in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes.
- Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag for 48 hours to deprive lice of a viable environment.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and vehicle seats to remove stray hairs that may contain eggs.
A second application of the pediculicide is recommended after 8 hours to target any lice that survived the initial exposure.
Monitoring continues for the next 24 hours: repeat combing at 12‑hour intervals and inspect the scalp for signs of live insects. Absence of movement confirms successful eradication.
If chemical resistance is suspected, substitute the pediculicide with a silicone‑based lotion (e.g., dimethicone 4 %) and repeat the mechanical removal process.
Adherence to the outlined steps ensures complete removal of head lice within a 24‑hour period, minimizing the risk of reinfestation.